“Well then we need to put as much distance between us and this godsforsaken village, immediately. We leave now.”
I can’t help but agree even though I’ve now become her captive. Orlin will stop at nothing to see me punished by King Euron, and like it or not, The Hidden might be my safest option for the foreseeable future.
Chapter 12
Alora
We rode through the early morning hours, until the dawn filtered in through the canopy of the forest.
I really, really needed to sleep, but with the chaos we left in Astoria it was best to get as far away as possible, especially withwhatwe had in tow. The ache of my neck and burning of my throat was a constant reminder of what we’re running from. The touch of the braided twine was more daunting than I had been prepared for. Nothing could compare to the strangled cries that hadn’t been able to form when I was hanging there, or the ones that still threatened to bubble their way up in a moment of weakness.
I swallow, blinking away any tears that formed and focused on what troubles we were in now.
The sour—faced male currently walked behind Caym’s horse, tied by rope that was twisted with the same element culling bands were made of. To be sure he couldn’t escape or wield any magic, more of the iron manacles were clasped to his wrists and ankles.
The Meiner River had led the way for our escape. Riding in the creek bed to avoid any traces of our trail being left behind has resulted in my boots and woolen stockings being soaked through.
I was feeling the chill of the waters so I can’t imagine how the bastard felt.
I turn in my saddle to peer back at him. “So, Devourer, do you care to tell me exactly what the king knows about The Hidden?”
He just stares at me blankly, his hair drenched and stuck to his forehead.
Dark circles have etched their way into his bronzed skin, making him look more villainous.
I wait a few moments, anticipating a retort, before I turn to face forward again.
Silence. That’s all that he has offered us since we began our journey.
I can’t say I blame him honestly, if I had been forced to trudge through muck and the freezing waters of the Miener, I’d be a little peeved as well.
Dahla snorts, steam billowing from her nose.
The frosty air turns colder as we make our way eastward, nearing the Siltar Woods.
The spirits of those woods roamed, vengeful and malicious, while also playing tricks on the mind at times. Unfortunatelythey were the one barrier between us and Rivers End, our destination.
The cave city has been a fortress for centuries for anyone who dares trespass the Siltar Woods and can manage the labyrinth to get inside.
We didn’t use our magic to restrain The Devourer. With the daunting journey, the risk of depleting someone’s essence wasn’t worth it.
If it were up to me, I would have chosen the easier route, tie him up and throw him over a pack mule. I can’t help but smirk at the thought of him being tied up and helpless.
A sudden splash has most everyone spinning around to check the source of the commotion.
The Devourer is on his belly, submerged to his shoulders, making his dingy white shirt cling to his body.
I pull the reins, halting Dahla. Caym continues to let his horse walk on.
The Devourer fights to get back on his feet, tripping over a rock in the process and returning to the cool water again, this time face going under for a moment.
Panic starts to eat at me, followed by confusion.
“Caym, enough. Let him get to his feet.”
Caym stops after a few steps. He looks at me, his eyes rolling until I can only see the whites. He clenches his jaw and waits for me to start talking again.
I look back to the man who’s practically drowning at this point and slide my gaze back to Caym.
